Controller

JOB OVERVIEW

Nelson Wood Shims is a 100% employee-owned manufacturing company where every employee has a stake in our success through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We operate with a strong culture of ownership, teamwork, reliability, respect, and accountability while continually striving for excellence and improvement. We are seeking a Controller to oversee key accounting functions and support the continued growth of the organization. The Controller is responsible for financial analysis that supports business decisions, accounting systems and process improvements, accurate financial reporting, ownership of the month-end close process, and maintaining strong internal controls. This role is an important part of our team, and we are looking for someone who will contribute to the success of both the team and the company.

Working closely with the CFO and the leadership team, the Controller will strengthen financial operations and improve efficiency through technology and continuous improvement. The Controller will develop a strong understanding of the Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) functions, as well as the Order to Fulfillment process, to support future oversight and supervision of these areas.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Provide financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Analyze financial results, identify trends, and investigate significant variances.
• Analyze product costs and margins across products and customers.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, capital investment analysis, and other strategic financial initiatives.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, management reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators.
• Turn monthly results into insights the leadership team can use.
• Help manage the annual financial review and prepare supporting schedules.
• Coordinate and manage the annual insurance renewal process.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure financial reporting accuracy, and support compliance with company policies and procedures.

Process Improvement & Operational Support

• Develop a thorough understanding of AP, AR, and the Order to Fulfillment process to support employees, strengthen controls, and improve efficiency.
• Recommend and lead process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Support ERP administration, reporting enhancements, system improvements, and process integrations.
• Develop reports and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, and other reporting tools.
• Collaborate with department managers to improve processes affecting financial reporting and operational performance.

General Accounting

• Own the monthly accounting close process.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and company accounting policies.

Collaboration

• Work closely with departments throughout the company to support business objectives.
• Support special projects and other assignments as directed by the CFO.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing employee-owned company. The successful candidate will expand their influence across the organization, lead significant improvement initiatives, leverage technology, and assume additional responsibility as the company evolves. The successful candidate will have significant exposure to operational and strategic decision-making and the opportunity to broaden their influence across the organization over time.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience, including at least two years of Controller experience.
• Demonstrated experience owning and leading the month-end and year-end close process, including preparation and review of journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, and management reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Manufacturing and cost accounting experience.
• Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence tools.

Desired Characteristics

• Possesses a servant’s heart and builds productive working relationships across departments.
• Self-motivated, proactive, accountable, and passionate about continuous improvement.
• Driven to learn and leverage new technology.
• Demonstrated ability to support employee development.
• Embraces challenges, continuous learning, and professional growth.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Compensation ranging from $80,000 – $130,000 based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – a significant long-term wealth-building benefit.
• Quarterly bonuses based on company profitability, estimated at 8%–16% of salary.
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%.
• Generous health, dental, and vision benefits, with the Company covering a substantial portion of health insurance premiums, a cash-in-lieu option, and dental and vision reimbursement benefits.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Growing employee-owned company with opportunities for increased responsibility, development, and career advancement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Nelson Wood Shims is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Minnesota, or local law.